Match Preview – West Ham (H)

FA Premiership
Mon 1st December 8pm, Anfield

Liverpool have a great chance to go clear top of the Premiership when they take on West Ham United at Anfield in the Monday night fixture.

Torres scored a hat-trick in this fixture last year but with him out injured it will be in the hands of his team-mates to give Liverpool some vital breathing space in the league.

Fabio Aurelio is also set to miss out as Benitez must decide whether to stick with out of form Andrea Dossena in the left back role.  Robbie Keane who was on the bench against Marseille is likely to return to replace the injured Torres.

West Ham have no injury doubts and Craig Bellamy will be making a return to Anfield.  West Ham do the most damage in the first half, and have the worst second half performance in the league. They will be looking to build on their victory away at Sunderland last week.

History

West Ham have only won 3 times at Anfield in 56 visits.  Last season’s Anfield demolition of the Hammers 4-0 in March, was the perfect riposte to a 1-0 last gasp defeat the reds suffered down at Upton Park in January.

West Ham’s last Anfield victory was in 1963, when Liverpool lost their first three home games.

Last season’s 4-0 win featured the reds sixth, and Torres’ third hat-trick of last season.  Steven Gerrard added the other goal.

Betting

The bookies heavily favour the reds.  The draw and even a Fulham win are at silly odds.

Liverpool 4/11
Draw 4/1
West Ham 9/1

The bookies are predicting a 2-0 Liverpool win with odds around 5/1. A 0-0 draw is around 12/1 with a repeat of last season’s 4-0 at 16/1.

Paddy Power are offering an impressive free £20 bet when you place a £10 bet. Sign up here.

TV

In the UK this game will be available on Setanta Sports. More info in the forum.

Opposition Links

Official West Ham Website
West Ham Football Shirts

In the Liverpool forum

Liverpool v West Ham – Pre Match Discussion